Germany car registrations: Electric vehicles lead as diesel hits record low

In August 2026, Germany saw 212,563 new passenger car registrations, representing a 2.6 percent increase compared to the previous year, though a 20.7 percent decrease from July 2026 due to summer holidays and factory breaks.

Electric vehicles led the market with 68,930 registrations, accounting for 32.4 percent of the total—a 75.1 percent increase compared to 2025. Hybrids followed with a 27.8 percent market share, while gasoline engines accounted for 16.7 percent. For the first time, diesel engines fell to the bottom of the rankings, making up only 10.6 percent of new registrations with 22,516 units.

The Skoda Elroq was the most popular electric model and the only EV in the top ten overall. Other top models included the BMW X1, VW ID. 7, VW ID. 4, and VW ID. 5. Volkswagen maintained its position as the market leader in Germany with a 15.2 percent market share, followed by Mercedes at 9.7 percent and BMW at 8.9 percent.